Information
Before you Arrive
Location
Mobile, a city
of approximately 200,000 people, is located on the Gulf Coast. Known
as the azalea capital of the world, Mobile's culture grew from a mixture of
French, Spanish, and English influences. The climate is hot and humid
in the summer with an average temperature of 81.5° F (27° C) and mild in
the winter with an average temperature of 52° F (11° C).
Arriving in
Mobile
The Mobile
Regional Airport is the closest airport to Spring Hill College but there are
other options, such as New Orleans, which is a 2 hour drive away. You
can take a taxi from the Mobile airport to the campus for approximately
$18.00. Talk to your admissions counselor about arrival arrangements.
Immunizations
and Heath Insurance
Contact your
admissions counselor for a list of immunizations that must be up to date prior
to arriving at Spring Hill College. International students may not
register without proper immunization documentation.
Health coverage in
the United States will likely be different than coverage at home. It is required that all students attending Spring Hill College be
covered by health insurance. You may purchase health coverage from Spring
Hill College as part of your student fees. Be prepared to pay for doctor
visits and other health needs since health insurance seldom covers all expenses.
Clothing
Students dress
casual when they attend classes (jeans, shorts, etc.). Bring a variety of light weight and
some heavier clothing. Winters tend to be mild but can vary in temperature
and it is
always hot in the summer.
Finances/Banking
It is never safe
to carry large sums of cash so plan on using traveler's checks if you want to
bring some money with you. There are other safe options such as wire
transfer to bring money into the country. There are a variety of banks
in the Mobile area. Consult the Mobile Area Guide (below) or contact the admissions
coordinator for more information.
Links:
Mobile Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Mobile Area Guide
City of Mobile Alabama
Welcome to Alabama
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Travel Tips
The US ICE
and CBP offer the following recommendations for students and exchange
visitors:
1.
Hand carry (do not check) the following documents:
a. Your passport
b. Your SEVIS form I-20 or DS 2019
c. Evidence of financial resources
d. Evidence of student or exchange visitor status, such as tuition
receipts, transcripts or letter of acceptance.
e. Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee
f. The name and contact information of your designated school official.
Important
Note: If you are a new student, remember to carry with you the
sealed envelope given to you by the U.S. Department of State's Consular
Officer - attached to your passport. It is important that you do not
open this envelope.
2.
Inform the CBP Officer at the port of entry as soon as possible that you
will be a new or returning student or exchange visitor in the United
States.
3.
Report to your school or program upon arrival so that your school
official can validate your participation in SEVIS.
4.
Maintain contact with your designated school or sponsor official
throughout your stay to ensure your SEVIS data is updated and accurate. |